Lesson 1 - Map Reading and Face Orienteering
Strategic Orienteering: Map Reading to Competitive Navigation
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
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How do maps and symbols help us navigate and work as an effective team?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and use a map key correctly for navigation
- To follow simple maps and symbols to complete orienteering tasks
- To demonstrate effective teamwork and cooperation skills
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully use map symbols and keys to navigate
- Students will work collaboratively to complete orienteering challenges
- Students will understand the importance of teamwork in outdoor activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Laminate maps for durability and reuse
Alternative: Hand-drawn simple maps if printed copies unavailable
Organise equipment in easily accessible containers for each group
Alternative: Cones, bean bags, playground balls, hoops, skipping ropes
Spread around area for warm-up activity
Alternative: Coloured bean bags or markers
Useful for supporting maps during activity
Alternative: Hard surfaces for writing
Large enough for whole class to see clearly
Alternative: Hand-drawn pictures or classroom objects
Key Vocabulary
A sport that requires navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point
A guide that explains what the symbols on a map represent
A mark or sign that represents something else
The view of something from directly above, like a bird's eye view
The process of finding your way from one place to another
Working together towards a common goal
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of following instructions
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
- Awareness of different equipment and objects
Current Skills
- Map reading and symbol recognition
- Using keys to interpret maps
- Cooperative problem-solving in pairs
- Basic orienteering navigation skills
Next Steps
- Advanced orienteering with compass use
- Creating own orienteering courses
- Multi-stage orienteering challenges
- Leadership roles in outdoor activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maps show aerial (bird's eye) views of places and objects from directly above
- Map keys are essential tools that explain what each symbol represents
- Effective teamwork requires communication, cooperation, and shared responsibility
- Orienteering combines map reading skills with physical activity and problem-solving
- Taking turns and listening to your partner leads to better results than working alone
- Accuracy is more important than speed when learning new skills
- Resilience and determination help us improve even when tasks are challenging
Common Misconceptions
- Maps show side views of objects - correct to aerial/top-down view concept
- Symbols must look exactly like real objects - explain simplified representation concept
- Faster completion always means better performance - emphasise accuracy over speed
- One person should do all the work in partnerships - stress equal participation
- Getting lost or confused means failure - frame as learning opportunities
- Orienteering is only about finding your way - highlight teamwork and problem-solving elements
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide fidget tools if needed, use clear visual boundaries, offer movement breaks when required
dyspraxia
- Simplify map layouts, provide extra time for tasks, use larger equipment that's easier to handle, offer step-by-step instruction cards
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, allow processing time for instructions, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use consistent routines
visual impairment
- Use high contrast maps with bold symbols, provide tactile markers on equipment, buddy system with sighted partners, verbal descriptions of map layouts
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all instructions, written instruction cards, clear hand signals for communication, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt movement requirements - allow walking instead of running, provide wheelchair accessible routes, modify equipment heights if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following and giving clear instructions, developing vocabulary related to direction and position, discussing and explaining strategies
Maths
Understanding coordinates and position, using scales and measurements, interpreting symbols and keys in data representation
Science
Forces and motion during running activities, understanding perspective and viewpoints, observational skills and data recording
Geography
Map reading skills, understanding aerial photographs, recognising symbols and landmarks, spatial awareness and direction
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience and determination, leadership qualities, communication and conflict resolution
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location during activities to observe all groups, move closer to support struggling pairs
Observation Focus
Watch for accurate map reading, positive partner cooperation, safe movement, engagement levels
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggle with map concepts, support pairs experiencing conflict, provide encouragement during challenging moments
Demonstration Notes
Use large, clear gestures for aerial view concepts, physically demonstrate cooperative partner work, show correct map reading technique step by step
Verbal Cues
- •'Check your key first!'
- •'What does your partner think?'
- •'Remember to look from above!'
- •'Teamwork means both people help!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area with clear boundaries, flat surface free from holes or obstacles
Surface Check
Check for holes, wet or slippery areas, debris, and adequate drainage
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Ensure all equipment is appropriate size for Year 6 students
- •Check cones and markers have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify maps are laminated to prevent paper cuts
- •Ensure equipment containers are stable and won't tip over
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during warm-up running activities
- •Trips and falls while moving between orienteering stations
- •Frustration and conflict during competitive elements
- •Getting lost or confused during orienteering tasks
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and safe movement rules
- •Ensure adequate spacing between orienteering stations
- •Monitor stress levels during competitive activities
- •Provide clear, simple instructions and demonstrations
- •Maintain visual supervision of all groups at all times
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position centrally to observe all three orienteering stations
- •Move between groups during activities to provide support
- •Monitor for signs of frustration or conflict between partners
- •Ensure students follow safety rules during transitions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess situation, provide first aid if qualified, seek additional help if needed, ensure other students remain safely supervised